The Many Trees of the Maritime Forest
Story by Leila Gable , Kiawah Island Community Association Land Management Supervisor
Except as otherwise noted , all photos by Justin Core .
Although the majestic live oak may be the most iconic tree in Kiawah ’ s maritime forest , it does not stand alone . Sout hern red cedars , Hercules clubs , wax myrtles , southern magnolias , red bays , yaupon hollies , and cabbage palms are all present in significant numbers . Most of these trees pop up naturally . Of these , only the red bay is unavailable through a nursery , so we must especially appreciate its natural presence as we stroll through our beautiful woods .
Yaupon Holly
The berries are covered with wax that can be used to make fragrant candles ( hence the name !). The powdered root bark was an ingredient in “ composition powder ” once used as a folk remedy for chills and colds ; its root bark was also used to make an astringent tea and an emetic . Wax myrtle is a fast growing and aromatic species . Its dense foliage provides cover for a variety of wildlife year round , but particularly during harsh weather . Songbirds are drawn to the waxy fruit , and it serves as a host plant for several varieties of hairstreak butterfly .
The southern magnolia ( Magnolia grandiflora ) is a large , fast growing evergreen tree that produces beautiful , fragrant white flowers . It too is widely available in nurseries . There are multiple cultivars that vary in size . Local residents enjoy the alley of magnolias that bloom along both sides of Maybank Highway near the Charleston Municipal Golf Course as a sure herald of the arrival of spring . At Christmas time you may notice the magnolia ’ s leaves in festive wreaths as their lower
Wax myrtle ( Myrica cerifera ), commonly found in nurseries , is widely used in the Kiawah landscape as a shrub or small tree . It grows to about 25 feet and is also evergreen .
Wax Myrtle
Southern Magnolia
rust-colored surface provides a nice contrast to the shiny green above . Its seeds , which are high in nutritious fat , are an important food source for migrating birds . Its protein rich pollen is a major attraction for pollinators .
Our southern red cedar ( Juniperus silicicola ) is an aromatic evergreen tree that can grow as high as 40 to 60 feet . Its essential oil makes it durable and resistant to fungi or insects .
Photo by Tina Schell
46 Naturally Kiawah